I am pleased to finally be able to reveal the next evolution of the Sparky project - known as iSparky. Based on the iPad 2 and the iRobot Create chassis, iSparky is an App-based solution to low-cost DIY mobile telepresence.

Check out this great little telepresence project by Maker Charles Palen. It uses a combination of technologies, including a Red5 Flash server for video streaming, WiFI, a netbook, RC car and homebrew RC interceptor device.

Yet another exciting variation of the telepresence concept, and cheap too. Way to go Charles!

Charlie takes his first tentative step (?) towards a world of telepresence robot helpers. In an Aukland, NZ rest home, the residents are responding well to assisted care performed by Charlie, a "health-bot" that is part of a university study to determine how people will react to robot assistance.

"My segment on Sparky — a robot made by San Francisco artist Marque Cornblatt using a Mac Mini, Skype, and a hodge podge of gadget parts — aired this weekend on PRI's Studio360, the arts and culture radio show… Continue

The Pet Care Robot (concept) is a Wi-Fi controlled bot that can serve as your remote eyes and ears from a web interface. But what's a bit different than a Rovio is that this robot allows you to play fetch through a remote controlled ball you can steer around the house—all while nurturing your animal through a built-in speaker in the robot's base.

Also of note, the Pet Care Robot has two large eyes that any dog will love to chew into a… Continue

"Your Predator drone has all the latest gear, including communications, laser target designator, day and night cameras and, of course, Hellfire missiles. But, according to Special Operations Command, it still needs that essential finishing touch: the latest sound system."

Make: Magazine has assembled a terrific profile of the Sparky project in anticipation of Maker Faire Bay Area 2009. Read it Here.

The folks at Make are a great bunch. They publish an essential how-to magazine and host the ultimate DIY science and art fairs all over the world. They have always been supportive of Sparky. Thanks… Continue

Easy to follow guide for making a videochat telepresence robot from common toys and computer gear. Most of the materials required for this project is available off-the-shelf and much of what I used was already in my shop from previous projects –hopefully you will have some similar gear, but be prepared to improvise, dumpster dive or hit Craigslist for missing parts.

While presenting Sparky at Maker Fair, I met Chris Jeffries, who sent along this link.

It’s a fascinating recount of Daniel C. Dennett, the first person to successfully have his brain removed and live to tell about it. Since winning his freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Pentagon, he can now share his unique story of physical disembodiment… Continue

"I expect to see much more interesting interactions, including the possibility of haptic interactions - touch. Not just touch screens, but the ability to remotely interact with things. Little robots, for example, that are instantiations of you, and are remotely operated, giving you what is called telepresence. It's…Continue

One of the best resources for all things DIY, MAKE Magazine, just published a story I wrote about Sparky, the Autonomous Telepresence Robot project that I've been working on since the early 90's.

The project has come along way since those early days, transforming from a crude assemblage of found parts and junk into a robust, web-based, mobile telepresence platform that uses cutting edge technology to function almost… Continue